Local charity relies on donations

Amarillo, Texas - It was Christmas in March for an area organization today thanks to a large donation. Dillard's department store has been a sponsor of Ronald McDonald's houses not just nation-wide, but here in Amarillo for many years. Without the generosity of such donors, this organization wouldn't be a home away from home for the families who rely on it while their children are in the hospital.

"We are having Christmas in march at Dillard's today," Craig Seiter, Dillard's store manager says.

A check for more than $11,000 was donated today to The Ronald McDonald house, thanks to sales of a holiday cookbook at Dillard's.

"Without the support of our community in Amarillo and all the communities that serve Amarillo, we would not be able to make this happen today," Seiter says.

Funding for The Ronald McDonald house comes from donations.

"We don't participate in any government programs. It's strictly like I said through corporate partnerships and through sponsorships," Shelly Cunningham, Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo Director says.

Donations from the community are also important to help keep their doors open. April Martinez who is currently staying at the house, while her newborn son is in the hospital, says her and her family will give back after their stay like others she has seen.

"We have families that come back that have been there before and they give back. They cook dinner. They know what it's like to be every three hours at the hospital and come home at midnight. And so, whenever we come home we plan on giving back too just as much because we know how much that means," Martinez says.

Any donation large or small is used by the families who stay there. An easy way anyone can donate to The Ronald McDonald house is by saving soda can tabs to be recycled.